The match: 3-0
Portugal made short work of a reworked and timid Turkey this Saturday (3-0). Much more in control than against the Czech Republic (2-1), the 2016 European champions have already validated their ticket for the round of 16. Guaranteed to be first, they will even be able to turn on the last day, against Georgia on Wednesday (9 p.m.), before discovering the identity of their opponent in the final phase.
Deprived of several starters, Turkey nevertheless created an illusion at the start of the match but Kerem Aktürkoglu did not manage to make this good start a reality (5th). And once Portugal, arranged in an unprecedented 4-3-3, entered their match, the gap was felt between a favorite for the title and a promising nation but with certain limits.
Bernardo Silva was the first to punish, on a deflected cross from Nuno Mendes (1-0, 22nd). The Parisian was also one of the satisfactions of the day, displaying a nice connection in his corridor with Rafael Leao. Bruno Fernandes thought he doubled the bet (24th) but Samet Akaydin took care of it with an own goal as improbable as it was avoidable (2-0, 28th).
6
Akaydin scored the sixth own goal of the competition. In 2021, 8 such goals had been conceded.
Aktürkoglu, again, could have reduced the gap but this time he came up against a good Diogo Costa (31st). An inefficiency that is unforgiving, especially with such a permeable defense. Launched in depth behind a listless hinge, Cristiano Ronaldo offered Fernandes the goal to seal the Portuguese victory (56th).
The opportunity for the Al-Nassr player to become co-best passer in the history of the competition, tied with Karel Poborsky’s 8 offerings. A record to add to that of the number of participations (6th) and goals (14), all held by CR7. Turkey would surely have done without it, as it will play its qualifier against the Czech Republic (Wednesday, 9 p.m.). Portugal will have to wait to find out if they will challenge the third in group A, B or C in the round of 16.
The fact: a second gag goal
Even the director didn’t see how Portugal would score after this missed pass from Cancelo. But by the time it took a closer look at Ronaldo’s annoyance, the ball was already in the Turkish net. In the meantime, Akaydin had not communicated with his goalkeeper, surprised by his blind pass, poorly measured and towards his cages. The return of the two Turks will do nothing, the most ridiculous own goal of the tournament had just been conceded and the gap widened.
